Nineteen years have passed since the deadly wildfires of 2007 that became one of the darkest tragedies in the history of Ilia, in Greece’s western Peloponnese.
The fires broke out on Aug. 24, 2007, in a forested area near Zacharo and developed within hours into a devastating disaster. A total of 49 people died in Ilia, while the destruction to the natural environment, farmland and property was enormous.
A Greek Orthodox raisesthe Holly Bible in the ruins of the sanctuary of the destroyed church of village Graika in Ilia perfecture on 29 August 2007.More than sixty people were killed due to wildfires and villages were completely destroyed .EPA/ORESTIS PANAGIOTOU
Residents rescued from the fire in Frixa, Ilia, by a Super Puma helicopter (ICON / Panagiotis Tzamaros)
At the Artemida bend, 27 people, including mothers with their children, became trapped while trying to escape the advancing flames and lost their lives. Another 22 people died at different locations across Ilia, bringing the death toll in the regional unit to 49.
The fires burned across the area for about a week, leaving widespread destruction in their wake.
Fire still burns a tree in the forest of Kallithea on 29 August 2007.More than sixty people were killed due to wildfires , villages were completely destroyed and 190000 acres of forest were burnt EPA/ORESTIS PANAGIOTOU
Ancient Olympia — Burned areas at the archaeological site (EUROKINISSI / Vasilis Papadopoulos)
Thousands of acres destroyed
A total of 155 villages were declared fire-affected areas, while approximately 30,000 animals died in the fires.
Among the areas that suffered severe damage were Krestena, Gryllos, Olympia, Kaiafas, Neochori, Vresto, Kallithea, Samiko, Platiana, Zacharo, Andritsaina, Klindia, Mouzaki, Fanari and Makistos, along with numerous smaller settlements.
The flames also reached the area surrounding Ancient Olympia, directly threatening the archaeological site. The historic site was ultimately saved from destruction.
The fires devastated approximately 260127 acres of forest, equivalent to about 870,000,000 square meters, as well as 104649 acres of farmland. Nearly 4.5 million olive trees were also destroyed.
The scale of the disaster left a lasting mark on communities across Ilia, with the anniversary serving as a reminder of the lives lost and the extensive environmental and property damage caused by the 2007 fires.
Residents of the village of Gryllos work to contain a wildfire threatening their village.
The wildfire continues to burn in the wider Zacharo area, Monday, Aug. 27, 2007.
Firefighters battle a wildfire in Andritsaina, Ilia, Monday, Aug. 27, 2007.
